Vic rail operator in court over teen death

Rail operator Metro Trains is challenging allegations it committed two safety breaches that contributed to the death of a Melbourne teenager at a railway station.

Metro has been charged with two safety breaches in connection to the death of Mitchell Callaghan, 18, who was killed in February 2014 after falling in the gap between a platform and a departing train at Heyington station in Toorak.

Transport Victoria Safety has charged Metro with failing to ensure the safety of rail infrastructure operations by not reducing the gap between the platform and train.

Metro also faces a second charge of failing to ensure the safety of rolling stock operations by not having a 60-second interlock delay to prevent trains from moving while doors are open.

"That's the policy that the prosecution says should have been implemented," prosecutor Robyn Harper told the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Tuesday.

Transport Safety Victoria says Metro could have made the safety changes to its trains and platform for about $2.3 million, according to court documents.

The charges cover the period between May 31, 2010 and February 22, 2014 - the day Mr Callaghan died.